Back Strain

*A strain is a muscle or tendon injury; a sprain is a ligament injury.

Back strain is also referred to as pulled back muscles.

Simple strains are the most common cause of back pain, especially lower back pain. Muscle strain is often caused by overuse of a muscle or overloading a muscle. When a muscle is stressed beyond its limits, injury occurs.

A muscle strain (or pulled muscle) is an overstretched or torn muscle. With injury comes inflammation, which is part of the healing process. Inflammation causes pain and can also trigger muscle spasms. The severity of a muscle strain can range from mild to severe.

Back Muscle Strain may be Caused by Overload

Strained back muscles can occur when the back is overloaded - such as when lifting something too heavy. Weak muscles are more easily overloaded and injured than strong muscles but any muscle can be overloaded.

Poor lifting techniques as well as lifting objects that are too heavy can overload the back and cause strained back muscles. Falling down or an unexpected twisting of the back can also cause pulled back muscles.

Though the pain is usually caused by overstretching or tearing of back muscles, sometimes an irritated spinal joint triggers muscle spasms around the joint.

Back Muscle Strain may be Caused by Overuse

Back pain often occurs when a muscle contraction is held too long. The body is made to move. When one position is held too long, the back muscles get fatigued and strained. Switching positions shift the workload to another group of muscles, preventing one muscle group from becoming fatigued.

Doing too many repetitive movements can cause muscle strain from overuse. Increasing back exercises too quickly can also cause back pain due to overuse injuries.

Poor posture also cause the muscles to have to work harder to support the spine, which leads to fatigue, strain and back pain.

The lower back is most commonly strained, as the lower back must support the weight of the upper body, whether standing or sitting.

Symptoms of Back Muscle Strain

Symptoms of pulled back muscles include back pain and muscle weakness and sometimes back muscle spasms. The back pain may be sudden but usually comes on gradually.

The muscles stiffen or spasm to reduce motion to prevent further injury. A good back brace can often help. Muscle injuries cause inflammation - a part of the healing process. Inflammation may trigger muscle spasms. Muscle spasms are more likely to be a problem for the first couple of days after an injury - when inflammation is at its worst. Though not serious, back muscle spasms can cause significant pain. Inflammation also causes pain.